“I am here to upgrade your hot water tank to an energy efficient one, can I please see a copy of your gas bill?” STOP, BE ALERT, BE SMART

These salespeople are not at your door for your best interest. They are there to sell you something. PERIOD. With a contract that is sometimes very confusing and can SOAK your bank account later. Let’s be realistic here. They are not the company that owns the hot water tank presently IN your home, so they haven’t a clue about it. They just want you to have theirs, at an increased rate, that goes up by at least 3.5% every year and the buy out (if there is one) is usually in the HUNDREDS, some times thousands of dollars. On top of that, know that YOU have a contracted obligation to notify and pay the disposal penalty for that original hot water tank in your house.

This message is not only about hot water tanks. Its about Rentals or Rent-to-Own Furnaces, Air Conditioners, Alarm Systems, Water treatment systems, yes..even Thermostats and Windows and doors, and maybe even rented appliances in the kitchen and laundry rooms.

When buying and selling property, contracts are coming under increasing scrutiny of the Chattels included and the rental contracts. Negotiations are sometimes not coming together and Sellers/Buyers are sometimes being stuck with having to pay buyouts or taking parties to small claims court to recover costs. Its also affecting value. A home with a rent to own or rented Furnace has less value then one that is owned.So ask questions, know what you are really buying or selling. An informed decision is a smart decision and makes for a smoother closing transaction.